Mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our life today. We need them not just for connecting with others, but also for business transactions. Hence, we should ensure protection for our phone because its loss or damage can have long-term repercussions. Given below are 10 ways through which you can secure your mobile phone.
1. Availing mobile insurance
Insurance for mobile phones is one of the most effective and efficient ways of protecting phones from an array of dangers. Mobile insurance offers coverage in case of theft or robbery of your phone.
Most of the plans offer compensation for the lost phone within a couple of days of the incident. Additionally, such plans also reimburse the expenses incurred on repairing a damaged phone.
2. Keep a strong password
This is the one of the easiest ways to protect your mobile phone along with getting a smartphone insurance policy. Stronger passwords reduce the probability of data theft and security breaches. Fingerprint scan and unlock patterns are now available in all phones, particularly smartphones.
These two techniques act as security enhancers and it is essential you choose a combination or pattern which is difficult to guess. Some smartphone models use 3D facial scanning to offer better security.
3. Install mobile security apps
Often phones are vulnerable to data piracy due to virus. Therefore, just like you install anti-virus in your computer for protection, you must do the same for your smartphone.
Most mobile security software include anti-malware, anti-virus, anti-theft, call blocking, remote locks, privacy scanner, and illegal adware scanning features to thwart all possible dangers.
4. Update applications regularly
This is another basic way of protecting your phone. Most Android smartphones automatically get security updates and patches through Google.
Thus, it is advisable to keep a check for system updates regularly and install them while they are available to improve your phone’s security as well as performance.
5. Use public Wi-Fi with caution
Most public Wi-Fi systems are vulnerable as they lack the required security patches. It is recommended not to make transactions or transmit sensitive data while using it.
Non-encrypted data carries potential threats such as malware and adware, which can be used by criminals to hack your phone.
6. Back up phone data
Smartphones usually have massive volume of data and it is imperative that you store it in cloud for automatic back up.
External hard disks and pen drives can also be used as a supplementary source of backing up data including photographs, videos, application software and other important files. It is recommended to connect and synchronise your phone data with a computer.
7. Use certified and trusted applications
Since a majority of smartphone users use Android phones, most of their applications are downloaded from Google Play Store.
Though Google has a separate department to overlook security issues involving apps and actively remove malicious applications, it is preferable to check if the apps are certified and well-rated. Also, you should download apps from official stores.
8. Encrypt data
Most phones do not encrypt data. However, for your safety and protection, you must encrypt it. Also, it’s in your interest not to store sensitive data, related to your bank account, email, identity, etc., in your phone.
9. Set-up remote apps
If you have already lost your phone, with the help of a remote app, you will be able to erase all its data before someone else access it. Additionally, this app can also help you track your phone’s location in case it’s stolen.
10. Don’t hand over your phone to unknown people
Lastly, you shouldn’t give your phone to people whom you don’t know, be it for any purpose whatsoever. Often in the past, there have been cases where miscreants have downloaded apps without the knowledge of the phone owner to transfer sensitive data.
Along with mobile insurance, these simple tips will help you in guarding your phone against a range of perils and keep it protected.
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